The Transformers film franchise, which started in 2007, has attracted audiences for over a decade. With six main films and a spin-off feature, Bumblebee, this series has grown into a major part of modern pop culture.
Not only has it appealed to toy enthusiasts, but its popularity on the big screen has also made it a long-lasting franchise with more projects still in development.
In addition to action-packed stories, the Transformers movies are known for their complex timeline, where events span across millennia and involve both human history and the mythology of the Autobots and Decepticons.
This unique combination can make it tricky for viewers to follow the storylines, as the films often jump around in time, from prehistoric events like the extinction of dinosaurs to the distant future.
To help viewers keep track of this sprawling saga, here is a detailed guide to watching every Transformers movie, both in chronological order and by release date.
Transformers Movies in Release Order
While the Transformers films follow a single continuous storyline, they are not released in a strict chronological sequence. Here’s the order in which the films came out:
- The Transformers: The Movie – August 8, 1986
An animated feature that acts as a follow-up to the Transformers television series. - Transformers – July 3, 2007
The first live-action movie that introduced the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons to a new generation. - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – June 24, 2009
The sequel to the original film, expanding the lore of the Transformers. - Transformers: Dark of the Moon – June 29, 2011
The third film in the franchise brought new layers to the ongoing battle. - Transformers: Age of Extinction – June 27, 2014
A soft reboot introducing a new human protagonist and further adventures. - Transformers: The Last Knight – June 21, 2017
Continuing the story with both old and new characters. - Bumblebee – December 21, 2018
A spin-off focusing on the fan-favorite Autobot Bumblebee, set in the 1980s. - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – June 9, 2023
The latest entry in the saga that introduces new factions of Transformers. - Transformers One – Scheduled for September 20, 2024
An animated prequel set on Cybertron, showing the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron.
Transformers Movies in Chronological Order
For those who prefer to watch the films in the order that events unfold, here’s the chronological sequence of the Transformers movies:
1. Transformers One (2024)
The upcoming Transformers One takes viewers back three billion years before any Autobots landed on Earth. Directed by Josh Cooley, the story is set entirely on Cybertron, showing the lives of Optimus Prime (then known as Orion Pax) and Megatron (D-16) when they were close friends.
The movie is expected to reveal the origins of their rivalry, as well as the beginnings of the war between Autobots and Decepticons. Alongside familiar characters like Bumblebee (B-127), audiences will witness the pivotal moments that changed Cybertron forever.
2. Bumblebee (2018)
Set in 1987, Bumblebee takes place two decades before the events of the first Transformers movie. The story follows Bumblebee as he crash-lands on Earth and befriends a human teenager, Charlie Watson, played by Hailee Steinfeld.
This film keeps things grounded in the ’80s, paying homage to the era when the original Transformers animated series debuted. Bumblebee is a heartwarming tale of friendship, personal growth, and learning to embrace one’s potential.
3. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
Set in 1994, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts picks up after the events of Bumblebee. In this film, new human characters Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) and Elena Wallace (Dominique Fishback) become allies of the Autobots and Maximals, a new faction of robots that transform into mechanical animals.
Together, they must prevent the ancient villain Unicron and the Terrocons from taking over the world. The film deepens the relationship between humans and Transformers, continuing the ongoing war to protect Earth.
4. Transformers (2007)
The original Transformers movie takes place in 2007 and introduces Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), an ordinary teenager who gets swept up in a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.
As the Autobots search for the AllSpark, a powerful artifact capable of creating life, Sam finds himself at the center of the conflict. With explosive action and stunning visual effects, this movie set the stage for the future of the franchise.
5. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Set two years after the first film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen introduces a new ancient enemy: The Fallen. The movie’s prologue takes audiences back to 17,000 B.C., when the first Transformers attempted to build a machine that could destroy Earth’s sun.
Now, in 2009, Sam Witwicky returns to face a new challenge as he uncovers more secrets about the origins of the Transformers. As the Decepticons resurrect Megatron, the stakes become higher than ever for both the Autobots and humanity.
6. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
This film takes place three years after Revenge of the Fallen and shows the fallout from the last battle. Sam has graduated from college, but his struggles continue as he faces unemployment and a new Decepticon plot that could bring Cybertron to Earth.
The movie also takes a trip back to the 1960s Space Race, revealing that the Moon was the crash site of a lost Autobot ship. With conspiracies and a final showdown between the Autobots and Decepticons, Dark of the Moon concludes Sam Witwicky’s journey.
7. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Set five years after Dark of the Moon, this film marks the introduction of a new protagonist, Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), who stumbles upon a dormant Optimus Prime. The battle between Autobots and Decepticons has taken a toll on Earth, and humans now hunt down the remaining Transformers.
Age of Extinction introduces a new villain, Lockdown, and shows the rise of a new generation of Autobots, including the fan-favorite Dinobots.
8. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
The final film in the original series timeline, The Last Knight, takes place in an unspecified future following Age of Extinction. This movie goes deeper into the secret history of the Transformers and their influence on human history.
Cade Yeager joins forces with the Autobots once again, this time uncovering the truth about a hidden society dedicated to protecting Earth from alien threats. Featuring flashbacks to World War II and other key historical moments, the movie pushes the Transformers saga into unexpected new directions.
The Future of the Transformers Franchise
The Transformers saga shows no signs of slowing down. Future films, including the animated Transformers One and a highly anticipated crossover with G.I. Joe, promise to bring even more excitement.
In the post-credits scene of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the crossover was teased, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise. Chris Hemsworth, who voices Orion Pax in Transformers One, will play a significant role in the crossover, blending the worlds of two iconic toy-based franchises.
According to producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the future of the franchise will focus more on the emotional and personal stories of the Transformers. In addition, fans can expect sequels to both Transformers One and Rise of the Beasts, ensuring that the rich lore of this universe will continue to evolve.
Conclusion
With its intricate plotlines and numerous time jumps, the Transformers film series can be difficult to follow. Watching the movies in either release order or chronological order offers different experiences, but both allow audiences to appreciate the unique blend of action, history, and sci-fi that makes Transformers such an enduring franchise.
As more projects are released, including the crossover with G.I. Joe, the universe of Transformers will continue to grow and offer new adventures for fans. Whether you are revisiting the series or watching it for the first time, this guide ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action.
